Ghanaian actor, Prince David Osei, has criticised the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over the United States government’s recent revision of its visa reciprocity policy for Ghana.
On July 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs announced that Ghanaian nationals applying for business and tourism visas (B1/B2) will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.
Similarly, F-1 student visa applicants will only receive single-entry visas valid for the same period.
Reacting to the new directive, Prince David Osei took to X on July 10, 2025, blaming Ablakwa for the diplomatic strain that may have influenced the U.S. government’s decision.
According to the actor, the minister lacks emotional intelligence and the necessary diplomatic tact.
He said Ablakwa’s recent statements in response to concerns raised by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee worsened the situation.
“At the heart of this issue is a troubling exchange between Ghana’s Foreign Minister and the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Rather than engaging in measured, diplomatic dialogue, the minister’s response came across as defensive and dismissive.
“His remarks, particularly the assertion that he personally did not incur debt, missed the broader point. The issue at hand is not about individual responsibility but about the obligations of the Ghanaian government as a whole,” Osei wrote.
He continued by emphasising the importance of diplomatic communication.
“Diplomacy requires tact, humility, and strategic communication. Unfortunately, the tone and content of the minister’s remarks may have strained relations further, leading to consequences that now affect everyday Ghanaians.”
As a staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Prince David Osei went on to suggest proactive steps the government can take to mend relations and avoid further diplomatic fallout.
He recommended that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issue a clarifying statement to reassure international partners and protect Ghana’s credibility.
“This situation calls for a recalibration of our diplomatic approach. Ghana must engage with international partners respectfully and strategically, always keeping the interests of its citizens at the forefront.
“The Foreign Ministry should consider issuing a clarifying statement or engaging in quiet diplomacy to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to strong bilateral relations with the U.S.”
The new U.S. visa restrictions mark a significant shift from previous policies, which allowed Ghanaian applicants multiple entries over periods ranging from one to five years.
Read the full post below:
A Diplomatic Misstep with Real Consequences
Recent developments in Ghana’s diplomatic relations with the United States have left many citizens frustrated and disheartened. The shift from a five-year multiple-entry visa to a three-month single-entry visa for Ghanaians is more than… pic.twitter.com/KdyiYHHb6N— H.E Prince David Osei (@PrinceDavidOsei) July 10, 2025
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